American Literature Through The Ages
The written word has had a powerful affect on American culture. Early Puritan literature to contemporary writing has influenced politics, theology, morals, values, and much more. The revolutionary era introduced us to writers who set a standard of American patriotism, while romantic writers questioned our thoughts and broadened our horizons. Early Puritan writing was a factor in our country's success, while transcendentalists went against tradition and explored our spiritual life. Finally Contemporary literature goes many different ways with a variety of thoughts and opinions. Early Puritan literature played a large role in the developing of our country's politics and theology. One of the earliest Puritan writers was William Bradford. Not only was he a writer but also a political leader. His account of the pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock and surviving the harsh winter is what he is best known for. The message conveyed in "Of Plymouth Plantation" is that law is the foundation of liberty. Also that religion should be simple and not mixed with man's inventions (Emerson 12). "It is Bradford's history that unites religious, political, and aesthetic value by celebrating 'the primitive order, liberty and beauty' of the fir
"Long before Darwin, Emerson suggested the outlines of a naturalistic evolutionary humanism: life itself is dynamic, a miracle of Nature" (Encyclopedia 13). He wrote an essay entitled "Civil Disobedience," which was one of the most influential documents in the world's history. By developing an efficient school system he changed education. Its inspired black women everywhere to rise up out of the slums and speak their mind. Without the Declaration of Independence our country would not be free from Great Britain. In "The Devil and Tom Walker" Irving recreates a German folk about a man who sells his soul to the devil. Their ferocity and grim details were similar (Emerson 192). Washington Irving used folklore and absurdity to illustrate morals such as racism and greed. His pamphlet "Common Sense" flooded the homes of the colonists resulting in consciousness of independence and branding it into their minds (Prentice 93). "Roots" is Alex Haley's best known book. There was a need for a strong black female voice and she provided it (Voices 1). The acclaimed "The Raven" used sound devices to draw the reader into the mind of the peculiar speaker.
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Acceptance Essays
